Atua and Va’a-o-Fonoti
Atua
Atua is the most ancient district of Samoa, now consisting of most of the eastern half of Upolu. The district has a population of a bit over 21,000.
Piula Cave Pool (also known as Fatumea Pool) is a natural freshwater pool by the sea beneath the historic Methodist Chapel at Piula on the north coast of Upolu. A popular swimming hole for locals and visitors, the pool is formed by a natural spring flowing out of a cave and out to sea. Inside the main cave opening on the north side is a short submerged tunnel leading to a smaller cave opening on the east side of the pool. It is open Mondays to Saturdays and there are small fale and changing rooms for visitors. The monastery charges a small visitor’s fee and it is a great place for picnics.
Falefa Valley is situated inland on the east side of Upolu Island. The area has been excavated and studied by archaeologists.
Lalomanu is a village on the east coast of Upolu. The white sandy seaside is called Lalomanu Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Samoa with beach fale accommodation run by locals, including the Litia Sini Beach Resort and Taufua Beach Fales. The beach has rich coral lagoons and provides one of the best vistas in Samoa. From the beach one can view the uninhabited Nu’utele Island, off the coast. There are activities like snorkeling and sea kayaks available in the area. Lalomuna Crater Walk is a short walk to an extinct volcano crater, which is home to a large number of flying foxes. This is behind the hospital at Lalomanu. There is one church in the center of the village. Lalomanu is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from the Apia.
Lufilufi is a village situated on the north coast of Upolu. It is the traditional center of the Atua district and is the residence of the Tui Atua chief title.
Lotofaga in a village on the south coast of Upolu. During the 1960s, archaeologists investigating the early settlement of the Pacific Islands uncovered a prehistoric settlement inland from Lotofaga in an area marked Tafagamanu Sand.
Solosolo is a village on the northeast coast of Upolu island in Samoa. The villagers live on a small peninsula jutting out into the sea and bounded by Vainamo bay in the west and Mulivai river to the east. The bay is still renowned for surfing and is popular with visitors and local surfers, although the reef breaks are not for the inexperienced. There’s a right break by a small rocky outcrop nicknamed ‘Plum Pudding Rock.’
Va’a-o-Fonoti
Va’a-o-Fonoti is a district on the north east coast of Upolu Island in Samoa, with a population (2001 Census) of 1,666, making it the least populated district in the country. The district name literally means “The longboat of Fonoti”, denoting the bravery of the naval crews from this area during this war. The district is 38 km² and consists of a main area around Fagaloa Bay with nine villages and a small coastal exclave about 10 km further northwest, with the village of Faleāpuna.
Uafato is a village on the northeast coast of Upolu with national significance as a unique cultural and conservation area. There are different stories for the origins of the name Uafato. Samoan mythology relates that the supreme god, Tagaloa, lived in the ninth heaven above Uafato village. The conservation area is ancestral land owned by the families of Uafato. This conservation zone includes the village and Fagaloa Bay and approximately 1,300 hectares of forestlands. The village is a center for traditional woodcarving where visitors can watch carvers making kava bowls, war clubs and other local crafts.
Fagaloa Bay is located on the north eastern coast of Upolu island in Samoa. The area is a significant region of conservation and culture. The distinctive features of the Fagaloa area portray some of the most interesting myths and legends in Samoan mythology which are considered invaluable and relevant to the peoples’ cultural lifestyle.
